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G2S Project Code: 2023-DC-93953
State: District of Columbia
Fiscal Year: 2023
Grantee
District of Columbia Public Library

Project Director
Director Name: Sarah Black
Director Phone: 202-727-2242
Director Email: sarah.black@dc.gov
General Information
Title: Library Services Outside the Library
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2023
End Date: 09/30/2024
Abstract: DC Public Library seeks to serve all District residents by meeting them where they are - in their neighborhoods or in the cloud. DCPL leveraged grant funding to support digital resources in the form of online chat with a librarian (AskDCPL) and various digital learning platforms; by funding a full-time driver for the Outreach Library on the Go Go truck; and by supporting programming at the DC Jail Library.
State Goal: Welcome Everyone
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$132,950.69
$0.00
$0.00
$132,950.69
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.
Education
General (select only for electronic databases or other data sources)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: AskDCPL
Narrative: Using Springshare apps, DCPL offers virtual help via chat through our AskDCPL program. The platform is monitored live during peak hours and available for questions 24/7. Staff from across all 26 branches work as chat operators, ensuring front-line experience is brought to virtual interactions and the operators have chances to engage with colleagues from across the system. AskDCPL provides a quick and easy way for patrons to ask simple questions about library services and accounts as well as complex reference questions. Common topics include library card sign-up, hold extensions, room reservations, and questions about library programs.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 7,698
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 642


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 1
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Activity Details
Title: Jail Library Programming
Narrative: The jail library has historically provided books-to-movies and other programming for inmates housed in the Central Treatment Facility. In the past the Department of Correction’s TV and DVD player were used for these programs, but it was at times difficult to secure the equipment when needed. Funds were used to buy these items to increase library programming. Many inmates at the jail are taking classes through university programs that offer college level courses at the jail, some inmates are involved in writing newsletters, others are engaged with art projects. DCPL wanted to offer digital preservation services for inmates so they could capture the work they have done while housed at the DC jail. Laptops, scanners and a label maker were purchased to support this initiative.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 8
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
For what age groups: 18-25 years
26-49 years
50-59 years
60-69 years
70+ years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: Yes: Incarcerated individuals.


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: DC Jail - Department of Corrections - Jail Library
Address: 1901 D St SE
City: Washington
State: DC
Zip: 20003
Activity Details
Title: Library on the Go Go
Narrative: The library's Outreach and Inclusion team is a group of dedicated staff who seek to reach District residents in their communities. Their resources include two "book bikes" and one outreach truck, known as Library on the Go Go, which supports programming across the city. LSTA funds were used to support the salary and benefits of the full-time driver of the truck.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Other
Format: In-person
Other: The Library on the Go Go truck attended 54 community events serving over 5,400 district residents.


Quantity


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 1
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Activity Details
Title: Digital Learning Platforms
Narrative: The library acquired three virtual learning database platforms, Brainfuse's HelpNow and JobNow, LinkedIn Learning, and Peterson’s Test & Career Prep. The three platforms provide virtual learning and skill growth opportunities to all students and adult learners of any age. The library sought to increase job-seeking skills in their community by offering access to these three platforms where students and job seekers are able to practice necessary skill tests needed to succeed in their chosen field.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Digital


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 0
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 3
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 1
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The Jail Library was closed at the end of May 2024 due to staffing shortages, and resumed service in December of 2024. The items purchased for this activity were therefore not utilized in FY24. When inmates leave the jail, either for the federal system, or if they are released into the community, they are not able to take anything with them. The supplies purchased will allow for digitizing schoolwork inmates produced while housed at the DC Jail. As in previous years, AskDCPL remains a core method for patrons to get in touch with library staff, and has gotten particular praise for being an accessible option for homebound DC residents, out-of-state researchers, military and government personnel posted overseas, and others who cannot access library resources in person. The Outreach Team was able to send the Library on the Go Go truck to 54 community events, serving over 5,400 District residents. Brainfuse HelpNow provides direct online tutoring, homework help, skills building, writing assesssments, and practice tests for K-12 students. HelpNow had a total usage of 9,781 spread out over 1,417 sessions. 227 users took advantage of Homework Help tutoring and the Writing Lab. Brainfuse JobNow provides live interview coaching, award-winning resume creation software, a writing lab, and helpful tips and tricks for landing the perfect career. JobNow had a total usage of 7,333 spread out over 1,132 sessions. 176 users took advantage of Job Coaching and the Writing Lab. LinkedIn Learning provides instructional videos on software, creative, and business skills. There were 202,845 video views and 9,986 hours viewed among 2,456 viewers. The top learning paths were Excel and Career Essentials in Generative AI and Data Analysis. Peterson's Test & Career Prep helps students and professionals prepare for standardized tests with eBooks, online courses and full-length practice tests for college and professional careers. Peterson's had a total of 608 sessions.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Accessibility (both in terms of ADA compliance and reflection of the diverse living situations of DCPL users) is a potential avenue of expansion for library chat services, and this coming year will include reevaluation of chat hours as well as logistics for staff working as chat operators. DCPL was able to provide out of school online tutoring to 227 students through Brainfuse HelpNow and virtual job coaching to 176 customers through Brainfuse JobNow. With LinkedIn Learning customers were able to hone their technical skills which benefit themselves professionally and personally. With Peterson’s Test & Career Prep students and job seekers were able to practice for school and professional exams and explore and prepare for careers whether they were entering the workforce for the first time or searching for new opportunities.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
There is no upper limit to the number of hours AskDCPL could be useful; as online library services continue to be centered in funding and promotion, chat service hours should expand to reflect high traffic times on the website and digital resources. Although funding currently supports a full-time truck driver, this year the Outreach team also trained two back-up drivers to ensure continuation of services. Brainfuse HelpNow & JobNow were marketed through email, web and social media channels as well as in branches and in schools. Linkedin Learning and Peterson’s Test & Career Prep were were marketed through email, web and social media channels as well as in library locations and during job seeking programs.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
Some of these activities may be moved to local funding in the coming fiscal year.
Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: Outreach, digital learning, databases; jail library